As more contractors and architects use polished concrete in their projects, more people also realize that it is a very attractive finish to homes and buildings. The finish that is created from the process is actually comparable in shine and beauty to granite or marble. In order to create polished concrete, the basic concrete surface needs to undergo extensive grinding and polishing. The extent of the polishing grit may reach from 800 up to 3000 grit, depending on the preferences of the contractor or the owner of the flooring or walls. The surface is usually not considered polished if it is only polished up to 400 grit.

Advantages

Polished concrete can be considered a sustainable effort because it basically removes the process of adding another, more expensive kind of flooring. Since most buildings have a concrete slab as a floor base for the final flooring, materials such as granite, marble or wood can be omitted when the concrete slab is polished and no other form of flooring shall be used on top of it. This not only helps to minimize the use of materials which may be in limited supply but it also helps to save energy by eliminating the shipping of granite, marble or wood and the installation of these kinds of flooring.

Another benefit that the owner of the building or house may reap from the use of polished concrete is the fact that it is a very low maintenance feature for the building. This is because concrete in itself is very hardy and seldom exhibits breaks of chips, if it is treated with densifiers and applied properly. It is also very quick and easy to clean. Despite being polished, concrete can also maintain its friction, which means that it may be less slippery than granite or marble. Compared to wooden floors, concrete is more durable and less prone to chipping and denting and compared to carpeting, it can limit the presence of dust mites and allergens that can be easily trapped in carpeting. It has also been suggested that the use of highly polished concrete floors might also reduce the use of lights because of its highly reflective surface. Polished concrete is notable for being stain resistant when the desired polish is achieved. Most of the materials and chemicals that stain other kinds of floors can be repelled by the composition of concrete.